Data capture apparatus with handwritten data receiving component

ABSTRACT

A handwritten data capture apparatus is disclosed. The handwritten data capture apparatus can include a user-supported portable data capture unit and a handgrip region. The apparatus includes a handwritten data capture component having a receiving surface. A method for using a data collector to receive, compare and evaluate inputted signatures is also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.08/790,328, filed Jan. 28, 1997 (now abandoned); which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 08/306,073, filed Sep. 14, 1994 (now U.S. Pat.No. 5,598,487, issued Jan. 28, 1997); which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/275,096, filed Jul. 14, 1994 (now abandoned);which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/852,480, filed Mar.17, 1992 (now abandoned); which is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 07/415,169, filed Sep. 29, 1989 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,064,issued Jun. 16, 1992); said application Ser. No. 07/852,480 being also acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/451,322, filed Dec. 15,1989 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,227,614, issued Jul. 13, 1993).

AUTHORIZATION PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. 1.71(D) AND (E)

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

Each of the foregoing listed co-pending and earlier applications ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety includingdrawings and appendices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand-held data terminals or computers are commercially available for usein a variety of applications, including the distribution and control ofproducts distributed by a route sales person. These hand-held dataterminals provide the route sales person with the latest product andcustomer information as well as information regarding the inventory ofthe products being distributed. As products are distributed to thecustomer and other products picked up for return, this information isentered into the terminal together with payment or pricing information.Thus, these hand-held data terminals are useful in many application fororder entry, inventory control and route accounting in any industrywhere a product is being distributed.

Although these hand-held data terminals as a part of a distributionsystem have greatly increased the accuracy and efficiency of productdistribution, there are situations where it is desirable to allow thecapture and recording of handwritten data rather than data that isentered by keystrokes. One such use would be to provide for therecording of signatures and for verification of the signatures recorded.In some applications, digitized pads are available to permit the entryof handwritten data, usually in situations where the data is entered bymarking a predetermined location on a form that overlies the pad.However, to date there does not appear to be available any means forcombining a handwritten data entry module with a portable data terminalin such a way that the handwritten data can be directly entered or readand entered by a scanner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a means for recording and entering handwrittendata in combination with a portable hand-held data terminal. Theinvention provides a module that is removably attachable to a hand-heldcomputer terminal, which module allows the capture of handwritten data.In a preferred embodiment, the module provides a means for capturinghandwritten data which is then read by an optical scanner and enteredinto the system. In the alternative, the module contains a digitized padwhich can capture and enter the handwritten data immediately as it isentered on the pad. The preferred module of the invention is easily andquickly attached to a hand-held computer terminal by a hook-hingearrangement, using the existing connector on the computer terminal and aconnector on the module. In the embodiment of the module using adigitized pad, the module and hand-held terminal provide an integratedsystem while allowing normal hand-held portable operation with themodule in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand-held data terminal with themodule of the invention in place;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the module;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the module;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the module, partly in section;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the module; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another hand-held data terminal with asignature pad module in place;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the module;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the module;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the module, partly in section;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the module;

FIGS. 11 and 12 show exemplary circuitry for the input/output printedcircuit board of the embodiment of FIGS. 6-10;

FIGS. 13-16 show exemplary circuitry for the CPU printed circuit boardof the embodiment of FIGS. 6-10;

FIG. 17 is a partial plan view showing a computerized processor moduleassembled in a receiving module and operating in signature input mode;and

FIG. 18 shows the computerized processor module displaying the resultsof a signature verification operation for the case where the processormodule functions as a separate self-contained unit using its own batterypower.

DEBCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawing, there is illustrated ahand-held data terminal or computer terminal 10 of a type suitable foruse with the module of the invention. A computer terminal such as theModel NT141GL hand-held computer terminal of Norand Corporation, CedarRapids, Iowa, has the necessary power and flexibility for thisapplication. The computer terminal 10 has a keyboard 12 and a display14. In addition to keyboard entry, data can be downloaded to thecomputer terminal 10 from a host computer or entered from a peripheraldevice such as a scanner.

The module providing for the entry of handwritten data is indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 16 and is shown in more detail inFIGS. 2 through 5. The module 16 consists of a suitable case 18 thathouses a pad 20 for recording data in the manner described hereinafter.The case 18 has formed along the lower edge near the front a dependinghinge 22 having a lug 24 extending along its entire length. Also, alongthe bottom surface 25 of the module 16 near the rear wall 26 is a cableplug 28 that will engage with a standard receptacle (not shown) on thetop surface of the hand-held computer terminal 10. Plug 28 and thereceptacle provide a standard 15-pin connection between thesecomponents. Near the rear of top surface 32 of module 16 there isprovided a suitable 15-pin receptacle 34 that provides for connection ofother external devices. The receptacle 34 and plug 28 are suitablyinterconnected by cable 36 inside of the case 18.

The hinge 22 with its locking lug 24 provided for easy quick andremovable connection of the module 16 to the computer terminal 10. Byengaging the locking lug 24 under a corresponding shoulder 38 in the topsurface of computer terminal 10 and rotating the module 16 rearwardlyuntil the plug 28 on the module 16 engages the receptacle on thecomputer terminal 10, the module 16 is quickly and solidly affixed tothe computer terminal 10 and all necessary connections made between plug28 and receptacle. As will become more evident from the descriptionhereinafter, the force applied by a user to the module 16 by enteringhandwritten data on the pad 20 will bias the module 16 further into alocked position on the computer terminal 10. In order to remove themodule 16 from the computer terminal 10, the module 16 is grasped androtated forwardly in the direction opposite to the force that is appliedduring use. Thus, connection between the module 16 and computer terminal10 is a solid, positive connection that is quickly and easily made.

The pad 20 can be of any suitable type for recording handwritten data.If a suitable optical scanner (not shown) is to be used as a part of thesystem, the pad 20 can very simply be any suitable means in whichhandwritten data can be visibly recorded so that it can be scanned andentered into the system by the scanner. Suitable optical scanners areavailable for reading handwritten data of all types and processing theinformation read digitally and entering the digitalized data into thecomputer terminal 10. A suitable optical scanner for this purpose isdescribed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/238,701, filed Aug.31, 1988, by Steven E. Koenck, which application has been assigned toNorand Corporation, the same assignee of this application.

The pad 20 also may be a digitized pad of any suitable type containingresistive sheets 40 (FIG. 4) responsive to operating pressures in asuitable range normally applied by a user using a ballpoint pen. Thedigitized pad 20 using resistive sheets 40 preferably has sufficientlyhigh resolution to provide an accurate representation of handwrittendata including signatures. The resistive sheets 40 are preferablycovered with an abrasion resistive cover 42 of a suitable polyestermaterial. When the user enters data onto pad 20 by supplying sufficientpressure with a writing instrument to activate the resistive sheets 40,the information is digitized, compressed, stored and processed by thecomputer terminal 10. For example, if the module 16 is being used forsignature verification, a signature written on pad 20 can be immediatelyverified or stored for future verification.

From the foregoing description, it is evident that the module of theinvention provides the capability of capturing and recording handwrittendata of all types, which data can be entered either directly using adigitizing pad on the module or the handwritten data can be entered intothe data terminal by a suitable optical scanner for further processing.All types of handwritten data, including both texts and graphics, can becaptured using the module of the invention in connection with a portablehand-held data terminal. One example that has been described is theverification of signatures, but any handwritten data can be entereddirectly or scanned into the terminal, the amount of data being limitedby the available memory. The module of the invention thus provides avehicle for significant data entry means not presently available withhand-held type computer terminals.

Description of FIGS. 6 to 10

FIGS. 6 to 10 show a signature pad module with dimensions of 2.870inches (length), 1.5000 inches (width) and 2.27 inches (height).Accordingly such a module may be adapted to fit in a pocket size shellconfiguration to form a self contained portable battery operated system.The following description is considered relevant in explaining furtherthe significance of the graphical input capability of the pocket sizesystems.

While hand-held data terminals have greatly increased the accuracy andefficiency of product distribution, there are situations where it isdesirable to allow the capture and recording of handwritten data ratherthan data that is entered by keystrokes. One such use would be toprovide for the recording of signatures and for verification of thesignatures recorded. In some applications, digitized pads are availableto permit the entry of handwritten data, usually in situations where thedata is entered by marking a predetermined location on a form thatoverlies the pad. However, to date there does not appear to be availableany means for combining a handwritten data entry module with a portabledata terminal in such a way that the handwritten data can be directlyentered or read and entered by a scanner.

In an illustrated embodiment, the module contains a digitized pad whichcan capture and enter the handwritten data immediately as it is enteredon the pad. The illustrated module is easily and quickly attached to ahand-held computer terminal by a hook-hinge arrangement, using theexisting connector on the computer terminal and a connector on themodule. In the embodiment of the module using a digitized pad, themodule and hand-held terminal provide an integrated system whileallowing normal hand-held portable operation with the module in place.Referring first to FIG. 6 of the drawings, there is illustrated ahand-held data terminal or computer terminal 510 of a type suitable foruse with the signature pad module. A computer terminal such as the ModelNT141GL hand-held computer terminal of Norand Corporation, Cedar Rapids,Iowa, has the necessary power and flexibility for this application. Thecomputer terminal 510 has a keyboard 512 and a display 514. In additionto keyboard entry, data can be downloaded to the computer terminal 510from a host computer or entered from a peripheral device such as ascanner.

The module providing for the entry of handwritten data is indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 516 and is shown in more detail inFIGS. 7 through 10. The module 516 comprises a suitable case 518 thathouses a pad 520 for recording data in the manner described hereinafter.The case 518 has formed along the lower edge near the front a dependinghinge 522 having a lug 524 extending along its entire length. Also,along the bottom surface 525 of the module 516 near the rear wall 526 isa cable plug 528 that will engage a standard receptacle (not shown) thetop surface of the hand-held computer terminal 510. Plug 528 and thereceptacle provide a standard 15-pin connection between thesecomponents. Near the top surface 532 of module 516 there is provided asuitable 15-pin receptacle 534 that provides for connection of otherexternal devices. The receptacle 534 and plug 528 are suitablyinterconnected by means including ground cable 536 inside of the case518.

The hinge 522 with its locking lug 524 provides for easy, quick andremovable connection of the module 516 to the computer terminal 510. Byengaging the locking lug 524 under a corresponding shoulder at 538 inthe top surface of computer terminal 510 and rotating the module 516rearwardly until the plug 528 on the module 516 engages the receptacleon the computer terminal 510, the module 516 is quickly and solidlyaffixed to the computer terminal 510 and all necessary connections madebetween plug 528 and its mating receptacle. The force applied by a userto the module 516 in entering handwritten data on the pad will bias themodule further into a locked position on the computer terminal 510. Inorder to remove the module 516 from the computer terminal 510, themodule 516 is grasped and rotated forwardly in the direction opposite tothe force that is applied during use. Thus, connection between themodule 516 and computer terminal 510 is a solid, positive connectionthat is quickly and, easily made.

The pad 520 can be of any suitable type for recording handwritten data.If a suitable optical scanner (not shown) is to be used as a part of thesystem, the pad 520 can very simply be any suitable means in whichhandwritten data can be visibly recorded so that it can be scanned andentered into the system by the scanner. Suitable optical scanners areavailable for reading handwritten data of all types and processing theinformation read digitally and entering the digitized data into thecomputer terminal 510. A suitable optical scanner for this purpose isdescribed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/238,701, filed Aug.31, 1988, by Steven E. Koenck, which application has been assigned toNorand Corporation, the same assignee of this application.

The pad 520 also may be a digitizer pad of a any suitable typecontaining resistive sheets forming a digitizer means 540 (FIG. 9)responsive to operating pressures in a suitable range normally appliedby a user using a ballpoint pen. The digitized pad 520 using resistivesheets at 540 preferably has sufficiently high resolution to provide anaccurate representation of handwritten data including signatures. Theresistive sheets at 540 are preferably covered with an abrasionresistant cover 542 of a suitable polyester material. When the userenters data onto pad 520 by supplying sufficient pressure with a writinginstrument to activate the resistive sheets at 540, the information isdigitized, compressed and stored and/or transmitted to the computerterminal 510. For example, if the module 516 is being used for signatureverification, a signature written on pad 520 can be immediately verifiedor stored for future verification.

From the foregoing description, it is evident that the data capturemodule provides the capability of capturing and recording handwrittendata of all types, which data can be entered either directly using adigitizing pad on the module, or the handwritten data can be enteredinto the data terminal by a suitable optical scanner for furtherprocessing. All types of handwritten data, including both text andgraphics, can be captured using the module in connection with a portablehand-held data terminal. One example that has been described is theverification of signatures, but any handwritten data can be entereddirectly or scanned into the terminal, the amount of data being limitedby the available memory. The module thus provides a vehicle forsignificant data entry means not presently available with hand-held typecomputer terminals.

The actual volume occupied by the signature pad 520 and the printedcircuit boards 562 and 570 is about 1¾ inch (wide) by 3¼ inch (long) byabout 1⅜ inch (deep). This is consistent with use with a pocket sizereceiving module.

The pad active area may be 2.375 inches by 0.875 inch by 0.055 inch. Thecovering 542 may be 0.007 inch polyester. The pad may utilize a siliconeelastomer pad sensor, and may provide a pad resolution of 175 points perinch giving a resolution of 415 points across and at least 150 points inheight.

Generally the signature pad may comprise upper and lower resistivesheets of silicone elastomer which have resistive ink applied to theconfronting faces so as to present uniform resistivity over thesurfaces. Application of point pressure to the cover sheet 542 causesthe resistive layers to contact at a corresponding point.

For tractor fed forms, alignment pegs 563, 564 on the bezel part 518Bare used to engage in the form feed holes to hold the form in positionduring the signature capture process. Should the sensor pad 520 bedamaged, the bezel part 518B including the sensor pad can be replacedwithout replacing the entire unit. This is accomplished by removingscrews 553, 554 and pivoting parts 518A, 518B away from each other. Theconnector 560 can then be unplugged from the input/output printedcircuit board 562. The ground cable 536 may be separable at 568.

Printed circuit board 570 may carry components such as a CPU chip (e.g.type 80C31), CMOS static RAM (e.g. 32K×8), and an EPROM component (e.g.type 27C256) as indicated at 571, FIG. 9.

The printed circuit boards 562 and 570 are 1⅜ inch by 3 inch by lessthan {fraction (1/16)} inch and are separated from each other by aboutone-half inch. Coupling between the digitizer pad 540 and the circuitryof board 562 may be by means of two twin conductor ribbons such as thatindicated at 572, FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that case 518 is formed of a baseassembly 518A and a bezel assembly 518B. The base assembly includes anoutwardly facing hook plate 550 which interlocks with a receiving recessof the bezel assembly. The parts 518A, 518B are pivotal at the hookplate-recess into a snug interfitting relationship, with edge 551fitting into a receiving channel of part 518B. The parts are thensecured together by means of screws 553, 554, FIG. 23. The channel mayhave a sealing strip seated therein, e.g. a 0.052 inch diameterelastomer 12.5 inches long.

Ribbon connectors 557, 558 from the 15-pin plug 528 and 15-pinreceptacle 534 are provided with internal 16 position receptacles 559,560 which connect with headers on the input/output printed circuit board562. When the pad is disabled, communications will pass betweenconnectors 528 and 534 unmodified.

By way of an alternate example, the resistive sheets may be of Mylar offive mils (0.005 inch) thickness. In any case, conductive x-axisconductive strips may extend along the long edges of the upper resistivelayer, and Y-axis conductive strips may extend along the short edges ofthe lower resistive layer, the pairs of conductive strips beingconnected with conductors of respective ribbons such as 572, FIG. 9.

Conveniently the outer sheet is somewhat longer in the length and widthdimensions so as to overlie a metal frame 573, FIG. 9, while the innersheet is seated in a recess within the confines of the frame 573. Theouter resistive sheet is then fastened at its margins to the frame sothat there is normally a clearance air space of approximately ten tothirty mils (one mil equals 0.001 inch) between the two resistivelayers. The confronting resistive surfaces may comprise graphite inkresistive surfaces as is well understood in the art.

Description of FIGS. 11 and 12

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate exemplary circuitry for the input/outputprinted circuit board 562. FIG. 11 shows the circuitry connected to theX and Y axis conductive strips of the signature pad 520. For reading andX-axis dimension from the signature pad, transistors 24-Q2, 24-Q5 and24-Q6 are turned on to apply a potential of five volts analog, (+5A),through transistor 24-Q2 to the Y+ conductor 2410 which leads to the Yaxis strip at one end of the inner resistive surface. The return pathfrom the other end of the inner resistive strip is via Y— conductor 2411and transistor 24-Q6, creating a potential distribution along the longX-axis dimension of the pad. The X−-axis potential value at the pointcontacting the outer resistive sheet is coupled via conductors 2412 and2413 to the channel one input of analog to digital converter 24-U1 (e.g.type LTC1091).

Similarly, to read out a Y-axis value, transistors 24-Q3, 24-Q4 and24-Q1 are turned on, and the Y-axis potential at the contact point isread out via the inner resistive sheet and conductors 2410 and 2414leading to the channel zero input of the analog to digital converter24-U1.

In FIG. 12, line 2511 receives battery voltage MBATS from the terminal10. Line 2511 is coupled with pin 15 of connector 528, via position 15of receptacle 559, FIG. 21. The I/O printed circuit board 562 connectsposition 15 of the header receiving receptacle 559 with position 15 ofthe header for receptacle 560. Line 2511 connects with line 2416, FIG.11, and connects to the CPU printed circuit board 570 via matinginterboard connectors such as 573, 574, FIG. 8, a capacitor (not shown,0.01 microfarad, 50 volts), being connected between MBATS and ground inparallel with 25-TZ1.

Applying EXT EN to conductor 2512 serves to transmit a reset signal tothe processor of board 570 via 25-Q7, 25-Q10, 25-Q9 and 2513 (RESET).

The signals associated with the various positions of connectors 528 and534 are as follows:

Connector 528 Connector 534 J1 1 TXD J2 1 TXD Out J1 2 DTR J2 2 DTR J1 3RTS J2 3 RTS J1 4 RCT J2 4 RCT J1 5 RXD J2 5 RXD IN J1 6 CTS J2 6 CTS J17 DSR J2 7 DSR J1 8 CHG In J2 8 CHG In J1 9 GND J2 9 GND J1 10 XOVER/TXLJ2 10 XOVER/TXL J1 11 PROX/RXC J2 11 PROX/RXC J1 12 SCAN/PWR J2 12SCAN/PWR J1 13 EXT EN J2 13 N.U. J1 14 RCR/CD J2 14 RCR/CD J1 15 MBATSJ2 15 MBATS J1 16 N.U. J2 16 N.U.

The symbols J1 and J2 actually refer to the headers on I/O board 562receiving connectors 559 and 560, respectively. Thus position 16 is notused. Position 13 of J1 connects with line 2512, position 1 connectswith line 2520 and position 5 connects with line 2521. Line 2522connects with position 5 of J2, and line 2523 connects with position 1of J2. The printed circuit board 562 provides direct connections betweenpositions of J1 and J2 designated DTR, RTS, RCT, CTS, DSR, RCR/CD, RCT,CHG IN, XOVER/TXL, and PROX/RSC, MBATS and GND.

The transistor 25-Q6 controls supply of power to the pad regulator25-REG1.

The interboard connectors on board 562 such as 573, FIG. 8, aredesignated J3 and J4 carry the following signals.

J3 1 N.U. J4 1 ADCS J3 2 DI/O J4 2 RDX4 J3 3 ADCLK J4 3 TXD3 J3 4 JY− J44 RESET J3 5 JY+ J4 5 GND J3 6 JX− J4 6 +5V J3 7 JX+ J4 7 MBATS

Description of FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16

FIGS. 13-16 show exemplary circuitry for the CPU board 570. Theinterboard connectors on board 570 such as connector 574 are designatedP3 and P4 and connect with the CPU, 26-U5, of board 570 as indicated inthe following table:

CPU (Type 80C31) CPU Pin Pin Designation P3 1 N.U. P3 2 DI/9 9 P 1.7 P33 ADCLK 6 P 1.4 P3 4 JY− 5 P 1.3 P3 5 JY+ 4 P 1.2 P3 6 JX− 3 p 1.1 P3 7JX+ 2 P 1.0 P4 1 ADCS 8 P 1.6 P4 3 TXD3 11 RXD P4 4 RESET 10 RST P4 5GND 22,35 VSS,EA PR 6 +5V 44 VCC

Pin 13 (TXD) of CPU 26-U5 connects via line 2610 (RXD3) with the circuitof FIG. 14, which in turn drives line 2611 (RXD4). MBATS line 2612 alsoconnects with FIG. 14. Line 2614 connects with the circuit of FIG. 15.

Pins of CPU 26-U5 designated AD7−AD0, respectively connect with data bus2910, FIG. 16. The pin of 26-U5 designated ALE connects with latch 29-U2and EPROM 29-U3 via line 2620. Pin 32 of 26-U5 ({overscore (PSEN)})connects via line 2621 with 29-U3. Address bus 2630 from pins designatedA8-A15 of 26-U5 connects with components 29-U3 and 29-U4 (a CMOS staticrandom access memory, e.g., 128K×8).

Pin RD of CPU 26-U5 connects via line 2631, pin {overscore (RAMEN)}connects via line 2632; and pin WR connects via line 2633, with 29-U4.

Example VII

As an example pursuant to FIGS. 6-16, a signature pad may have theconfiguration for interfitting in a receptacle. The printed circuitboards 562 and 570 could be consolidated into a single printed circuitboard underlying the signature pad and having comparable dimensions,e.g. about two inches by three inches. The inputs and outputs from theconsolidated circuit board could comprise MBATS, GND, EXT EN, and thecommunication lines for two-way alternate point-to-point communication.These inputs and outputs could couple with a module at a region usingmating surface contacts.

Battery power could be available in the receiving module, and protocolconversion and other functions of the terminal could be performed by amodular processor. A touch screen could be included at the three marginsof the signature pad at the top surfaces of the module.

By way of example, signatures as digitized by means of the signature padmodule could be transferred under the control of a processor module to adata storage card inserted in a slot. Alignment pegs such as 563, 564,FIG. 7, could form part of the signature pad module, such that a touchscreen would be accessible to activate the signature pad module bytransmitting EXT EN to the pad module in response to actuation of aregion of the touch screen in signature capture mode.

Such touch screen would then signal when a signature had been properlydigitized and stored. The touch screen associated with the module canaccommodate the entire data capture command set.

Example VIII (FIGS. 17 and 18)

In Example VIII, the circuitry of FIGS. 11-16 may be part of acomputerized processing module 3000, FIG. 17. A receiving module 3010may receive the module 3000 and may have coupling means for engagementwith cooperating connection means 3001 of module 3000.

In this Example VIII, the receiving module 3010 may perform thefunctions of data entry terminal 510, FIG. 6, and may provide batterymeans 3002 capable of providing for battery operation of the circuitryof FIGS. 11-16. In particular, receiving module 3010 would have couplingmeans for automatically engaging with the connection means 3001 asmodule 3000 is inserted into a receptacle 3011 of module 3010. Thecoupling means and connection means 3001 could also provideautomatically completed signal communication paths such as provided bythe terminal connector automatically mating with connector 528, FIG. 10,during assembly of parts 510 and 516, FIG. 6. The module 3010 may haveledges such as 3012 for overlying the side edges of the module 3000, andmay include segmental spherical detents such as 3014 which are springurged into receptacle 3011 to retain the module 3000 therein. A notch3015 may facilitate removal of the complete module 3000 as a unit fromthe receptacle 3011.

The module 3010 may have a touch screen 3020. One of the touch switchpositions may be “Signature Input Mode” as indicated at 3021. When thismode is selected by manually depressing region 3021, a graphic displayis produced on module 3000 as indicated in FIG. 17 which facilitates thehandwritten entry of a signature e.g. in a space indicated by a boxdisplayed at 3022 with a signature line at 3023, and a “start” boxindicated by a dash line 3024.

Module 3000 may include a digitizer input screen 3025 over substantiallyits entire length and width as viewed in FIG. 17, and a graphic displaye.g. of the dot matrix type may underlie the digitizer screen and have aresolution sufficient to accurately display handwritten data such assignatures and the like, as well as indicia such as 3022, 3023, and3024.

Where the signature is to be entered directly on the digitizer screen3025, a wooden stylus is conveniently used. In this event, the displaymeans of module 3000 may display the mode at 3028 and suitableinstructions at 3029.

Where a form with feed holes is to be engaged with pegs 3030, 3031 onmodule 3010, the form may have printed thereon indicia such as 3022,3023, 3024, “start”, and 3029. In this case, a conventional ball pointpen may be used to enter the signature on the form, and to apply acorresponding impression to the digitizer input screen 3025 of FIG. 17.

By way of example, the computerized processing module 3000, or a datastorage card such as indicated at 3040 (inserted into a, slot) may storethe authorized signatures of persons empowered to approve a giventransaction. Thus, a person delivering goods to various establishmentsmay download authorized signatures for a given delivery into the module3000 just prior to making the delivery, or may select a respective datastorage card 3040 from a file thereof.

After the signature impression such as 3041 has been entered in space3022 of the digitizer input screen, the processor of module 3000 or aprocessor 3042 of module 3010 may carry out a comparison of thesignature impression 3041 with the stored is authorized signatures. Ifthere is a sufficient match with an authorized signature the graphicaldisplay may indicate that the signature was a valid authorized signatureas at 3044, FIG. 18. The matching authorized signature of record may bedisplayed in space 3045, FIG. 18, or the name represented by thesignature may be simply printed in space 3045. A transaction number maybe assigned as indicated at 3046. Further, the signature 3047corresponding to impression 3041, as stored by module 3000, module 3010or storage card 3040 may be displayed at a region 3049 adjacent region3045 so that the operator can confirm the matching condition, oractually make the decision as to whether the signature is to beaccepted. Of course, the signature as entered may be stored in fullydigitized form or in a suitably compacted form in module 3000, module3010 or storage card 3049.

Description of Example IX

Example VIII could be applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 6-16 as afurther example, in which case the resistive type digitizer screen 520could be used for the direct entry of a signature e.g. using a passivewooden stylus, and display 514 could provide a resultant display such asindicated in FIG. 18, and could display indicia such as 3028 and 3029,prior to entry of the signature impression 3041. The signaturecomparison program, and the set of authorized signatures could then bedownloaded into the data terminal 510, e.g. via connectors 534 and 528from a data storage system within a delivery vehicle or the like.Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,919 which teaches using thesensing of pressure applied across the signature as a further parameterfor use in signature verification.

Summary Re Examples VIII and IX

In examples VIII and IX, computerized processing module 3000 providesfor the computerized processing and storage of data as described indetail in reference to FIGS. 6-16. The stored data e.g. completedigitized information concerning a signature impression 3041 may betransmitted from random access storage such as indicated at 29-U4 viaconnection means 3001 to an external receiving module such as 3010 or510, FIG. 6. The computerized processing module 3000 could be of size tofit in a shirt pocket as with module 516, FIG. 6, e.g. a cross sectionalperimeter of not more than about eight inches and a length dimension ofnot more than about five inches.

The connection means 3001 of module 3000 automatically engages with thecoupling means in receptacle 3011 as the module 3000 is inserted overdetents 3014 and under ledges 3012 to assemble the module 3000 with thereceiving module 3010. Correspondingly, the connection means 3001 isautomatically disengaged from the coupling means as the module 3000 isremoved as a unit from receptacle 3011 (e.g. with the use of one fingerinserted into notch 3015).

The digitizer input screen 3025 is transparent so that the matrix typedisplay there beneath is visible to the user through the digitizerscreen. Any of the digitizer technologies currently available such asthose referred to herein may be utilized. Both the digitizer input andthe graphical display of module 3000 have a resolution to accuratelyrecord and display handwritten characters such as represented bysignatures 3041, 3045 and 3047. The data such as signatures stored inmodule 3000 in complete digitized form or in compacted form may betransmitted to the coupling means of receiving module 3010 forutilization externally of module 3000. For example, receiving module3010 may have a programmed processor at 3042 for comparing a signatureimpression data relating to a signature impression 3041 with a set ofauthorized signatures stored on a data storage card 3040.

The display of module 3000 may display indicia such as 3022, 3023, and3024 for facilitating input of a signature impression such as 3041directly on the digitizer input screen 3025, or a form may be locatede.g. by pegs 3030, 3031 and itself have indicia printed thereon. InExample IX, a conventional display screen at 514, FIG. 6, of a receivingmodule 510, may display instructions adjacent a digitizer screen at 520,and may provide a display such as indicated in FIG. 18, once a signatureimpression at 520 has been compared with a set of authorized signaturesstored by the receiving module 510, FIG. 6.

Although the invention has been described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments thereof, it would be evident to those skilled inthe art that various revisions and modifications to the preferredembodiment, as well as additional applications to those described by wayof example herein can be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. It is our intention however that all suchrevisions and modifications that may be obvious to those skilled in theart will be included within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handwritten data capture apparatus, comprising:(a) a user-supported portable data capture assembly; (b) a handwrittendata receiving module removably connected to the data capture assemblyand having a longitudinally extensive receiving surface to receive aspatially extended sequence of handwritten data; (c) a handwritten datareader component reading handwritten data applied to said receivingsurface and communicating received data to the data capture assembly;and (d) a handgrip region comprising opposite side surfaces, saidhandgrip region having a grip cross section such that the data captureassembly is held with an operator's hand in simultaneous grippingcontact with the opposite side surfaces.
 2. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the handwritten data reader component is an opticalreader operatively connected with said data capture assembly to remotelyread handwritten data on the receiving surface.
 3. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the handwritten data reader componentcomprises a digitizing pad operatively associated with saidlongitudinally extensive receiving surface.
 4. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the handwritten data receiving module is removableas a unit from the data capture assembly, the data capture assemblybeing operational while separate from said module.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a snap-on mechanical connectionreadily attaching said handwritten receiving module to the data captureassembly.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the datacapture assembly receives cursive handwritten data such as signatures.7. A portable data capture assembly, comprising: (a) a processing systemprocessing and storing data; (b) a handwritten input system receivingand communicating handwritten information to said processing system; (c)said handwritten input system having a longitudinally extensivereceiving surface to receive a spatially extended sequence ofhandwritten data; (d) an indicia reader, the indicia reader readingindicia located externally of the data capture assembly andcommunicating a representation of read indicia to the processing system;(e) a handgrip section with a cross section of a size capable of beingheld in one hand with its fingers and opposing thumb embracing oppositesides of the handgrip section, the handgrip section permittingunderlying support of the data capture assembly during input ofhandwritten information.
 8. The data capture assembly according to claim7, wherein the handwritten input system comprises a digitizer inputscreen.
 9. The data capture assembly according to claim 7, furthercomprising a removable data storage card.
 10. The data capture assemblyaccording to claim 7, further comprising a display, the displayindicating a location at which handwritten entry of characters should beentered.
 11. The data capture assembly according to claim 7, furthercomprising an output device, said output device communicating to a userhandwritten information input to said input system.
 12. The data captureassembly according to claim 11, said output device comprising agraphical display output displaying data in accordance with handwrittencharacters entered by a user.
 13. The data capture assembly according toclaim 7, further comprising a transmission system coupled with saidprocessing system, said transmission system communicating data to a siteexternal to the data capture assembly.
 14. A portable data captureassembly, comprising: (a) a processing system; (b) a user-supported bodyhaving a user interface; (c) said user interface comprising ahandwritten information input system, said user interface alsocommunicating inputted information to the processing system; (d) saidhandwritten information input system having a longitudinally extensivereceiving surface to receive a spatially extended sequence ofhandwritten data; (e) said user-supported body having a handgrip sectionproviding underlying support of said user interface during entry ofhandwritten information; wherein said handgrip section has a crosssection of a size capable of being held in one hand with fingers andopposing thumb embracing opposite sides of the handgrip section.
 15. Thedata capture assembly according to claim 14, wherein said input systemcomprises a digitizer input screen.
 16. The data capture assemblyaccording to claim 14, wherein said input system is a transparentdigitizer input screen, and wherein said input system further comprisesa display located behind said transparent digitizer input screen. 17.The data capture assembly according to claim 14, further comprising adisplay, the display indicating a location at which handwritten inputshould be entered.
 18. The data capture assembly according to claim 14,further comprising an information output repeating, in a formintelligible to a user, handwritten information input to said inputsystem.
 19. The data capture assembly according to claim 18, saidinformation output comprising a graphical display output displaying datain accordance with handwritten characters entered by a user via theinput system.
 20. The data capture assembly according to claim 14,further comprising a transmission system, coupled with said processingsystem, transmitting data to a site external to the data captureassembly.
 21. A handwritten data capture apparatus, comprising: (a) auser-supported portable data capture assembly; (b) a handwritten datareceiving component connected to the data capture assembly and having alongitudinally extensive receiving surface to receive handwritten data;(c) a handwritten data reader component reading handwritten data appliedto said receiving surface and communicating received data to the datacapture assembly; and (d) a handgrip region comprising opposite sidesurfaces, said handgrip region having a grip cross section such that thedata capture assembly is held with an operator's hand in simultaneousgripping contact with the opposite side surfaces.
 22. The apparatusaccording to claim 21, wherein the handwritten data reader comprises anoptical reader operatively coupled with said data capture assembly tooptically read handwritten data on the receiving surface.
 23. Theapparatus according to claim 21, wherein the handwritten data readercomprises a digitizing pad operatively associated with said receivingsurface.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein thehandwritten data receiving module is removable as a unit from the datacapture assembly, the data capture assembly being operational whileseparate from said handwritten data receiving module.
 25. The apparatusaccording to claim 21, further comprising a snap-on mechanicalconnection readily attaching said handwritten receiving module to thedata capture assembly.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 21, whereinthe data capture assembly receives cursive handwritten data.